THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell said large companies using supply chain finance products that mine big data to manipulate small business suppliers, are on notice that this practice is being examined closely as part of the Ombudsman’s Review of Supply Chain Financing.

“Recent reports of big businesses using supply chain finance platforms that use artificial intelligence to calculate the discount a supplier may be willing to accept, are disturbing,” Ms Carnell said.

“These types of reverse factoring products that vary based on how desperate the supplier is, are being closely looked at as part of our ongoing Supply Chain Financing Review.

“Small businesses have raised their concerns with my office about the use of artificial intelligence and big data to determine and target discounts.

“It’s clearly not okay for big businesses to use their dominant position and access to technology to further squeeze small business margins," she said.

“Unfortunately the only way to level the playing field is through further regulation and legislation, which means more red tape.  

“Supply chain finance can be a legitimate and effective tool to free-up cash flow for small and family businesses. However, it should never ever be a replacement for reasonable payment terms being offered, 30 days or less from invoice.

“It is imperative small businesses are paid on time. We know that late payments equate to a $7 billion drag on the economy.”

Since the Review launch in November 2019, a wide-ranging consultation process has been underway with large businesses, small businesses, and supply chain finance providers.

An interim report is expected to be released by the Ombudsman in March, followed by a full report by the end of April.

Small businesses and family enterprises who have had experience with supply chain financing can still contribute to the Ombudsman’s review via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.asbfeo.gov.au

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SYDNEY Water has today urged businesses across Sydney, Blue Mountains and the Illawarra to apply for a water exemption permit if they need one, with Level 2 water restrictions now in place.

As Greater Sydney continues to face one of the worst droughts in its history, the NSW Government recently announced that severe water restrictions are in place, with Sydney’s water supply continuing to drop at the fastest rate on record.  

Businesses that use water in a way that does not comply with water restrictions will need to apply for a permit before January 31, 2020.

“We know that there are thousands of businesses across Greater Sydney that rely on the use of drinking water as part of their operations,” Sydney Water executive drought lead, Catherine Port said.

“In order to continue to use drinking water and avoid fines, businesses must apply for a Level 2 water exemption permit if they cannot comply with the water restrictions.”

Since Level 2 water restrictions were announced in December, Sydney Water has granted over 8,000 exemptions to enable businesses to keep trading, with thousands more currently being processed. 

“It’s reassuring to see we’ve had many applications, but we know there are many more organisations that will require a permit to continue their use of water,” Ms Port said.

“We’re urging all those businesses to submit their application ahead of the deadline on 31st January”. 

Level 2 water restrictions came into place last month (December 10) to save water while Greater Sydney is in drought.  Businesses do not need to apply for an exemption if the water being used is not drinking water. Types of water excluded from Level 2 water restrictions include recycled water, greywater, rainwater or bore water. 

Fines will apply from February 1, 2020 for businesses not using water according to the Level 2 water restrictions or under the conditions of their current permit. 

If a business has applied for a new permit or updated permit and hasn’t received it by January 31, they will not be fined. Sydney Water will be communicating with businesses to inform of this.

To find out more about Level 2 Water Restrictions, to apply for a business exemption and to hear about the many ways to save water both indoors and outdoors visit www.LoveWater.Sydney

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WITH around one in six women experiencing domestic violence at the hands of a partner, according to figures from the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Personal Safety Survey released on Tuesday, the Australian Dental Health Foundation is providing free dental care to women who have received oral injuries.

The Foundation's Rebuilding Smiles program delivers pro bono dental treatment to women experiencing domestic violence who may have suffered immediate dental trauma or ongoing oral health problems.

By working with domestic violence support agencies, the Foundation receives applications for assistance from affected women and their families and then places them with Australian dentists who provide their treatment free of charge.

Rebuilding Smiles delivered about $65,000 worth of pro bono care to women who had experienced domestic violence in 2017-18 and $164,423 in 2018-2019. The generosity of volunteer dentists, together with sponsors, has helped the Foundation meet this  increased demand for services.

In the last financial year 39 women from around Australia had treatment completed at an average of $4,250 per case and another 98 women are currently undergoing remedial dental work.

The ABS Report noted, "Being pushed, grabbed, or shoved was the most common physical assault behaviour experienced by women, regardless of the perpetrator type and that women were more likely to have been kicked, bitten, hit with a fist, or choked, when the perpetrator was a male partner compared with another known male (such as a family member or friend)."

As a result, victims often need require complex and extensive care including dentures, crowns, bridges and implants. The Foundation meets the costs of these treatments from funds donated from the public, various state governments, corporate sponsors and the Australian Dental Association.

“I never imagined such compassion and generosity until I had experienced it from you all. Not only have I regained my smile, but I have also regained a little faith in humanity. Both are priceless to me. ‘Thank you’ seems grossly inadequate but it's all I can offer," said Kylie of NSW, a Rebuilding Smiles patient.

“As the figures suggest, the demand for dental care for victims has seen significant annual growth,” Robert Boyd-Boland, secretary to the Foundation said. “The recent ABS statistics indicate this significant demand for dental care will continue to increase.

”The great thing about the Rebuilding Smiles program is that it restores women’s self-esteem  and self-confidence and enables them to go out into the world, start their social life again, apply for jobs, even begin new relationships. This independence helps them feel they’re part of their community again.

“However while the Foundation is currently able to meet current demand, the steady increase in demand means we urgently need more help if victims are to be supported.”

Dentists who want to provide pro bono dental care to victims can contact the ADHF on (02) 88153333 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

To make a tax deductible donation to the Foundation, visit https://www.adhf.org.au/make-a-donation/

Major sponsors and supporters of Rebuilding Smiles include Pacific Smiles Dental, Australian Dental Association (Trustee to the Foundation), Colgate and    Straumann Australia.

About the Australian Dental Foundation

The Australian Dental Health Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation with deductible gift recipient status. In addition to the Rebuilding Smiles Program, the Foundation delivers dental care to underprivileged Australians through Dental Rescue Programs, Adopt a Patient programs, Community Service grants supported by Mars Wrigley Foundation and study grants for students of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background who are undertaking a course of study that will lead to registration as a Dental Hygienist or Oral Health Therapist.

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THE Queensland Resources Council (QRC) is urging jobseekers on the hunt for a new career in 2020 to consider the lucrative options in the Queensland resources sector.

QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said the resource sector was investing and expanding operations across the State with more than 1000 jobs currently advertised in mining, resources and energy on the employment website Seek.

“These are long-term jobs and can provide education and training to advance employees into the next stage of their careers,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“Yet again we are seeing very strong jobs numbers in resources when you consider this time last year there were just over 800 jobs advertised in our sector on Seek.

“Queensland’s resources sector is now supporting one in every seven jobs, and one in every five dollars for Queensland’s economy.

“In the Mackay region there are 323 vacancies, in Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast 71, in Townsville 56, across to Mount Isa 51, down to the Darling Downs 53 and in the state’s biggest mining town, Brisbane, there are 301 jobs currently available.

“The mining industry has by far the highest average weekly full-time adult earnings of any industry at $2659 – or over $138,000 per annum. Over 70 percent of these current vacancies are paying $100,000 or more which is income that flows through to the local butcher, bakery and hairdresser.

“These jobs can also be a significant wealth generator for Indigenous people who comprise 4 percent of the state’s workforce in resources and Queensland’s Indigenous population is 4 percent. We are one of only two sectors with a true representation of Indigenous people across our workforce.”

Total vacancies in Queensland for mining, resources and energy is 1,045.

Source: SEEK

Brisbane                                                               301

Gladstone and Central Queensland                    111

Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast                    71

Mackay and Coalfields                                        323

Townsville                                                            56

Mount Isa                                                             51

Toowoomba and Darling Downs                          53

Roma                                                                   16

Cairns & Far North                                               35

www.wrc.org.au

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THOUSANDS of school children at 75 schools across the state will return for a record start for the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) along with a full calendar of events to prepare students for future careers.

Queensland Resources Council (QRC) chief executive Ian Macfarlane said enhancing the teaching and learning experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects and trade skills would help students onto pathways to rewarding careers.

“QMEA has now partnered with a record 75 schools across the state to deliver hands-on events that have been shown to set students onto career pathways in our sector,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“We know that many of the jobs of the future will require STEM skills and it’s crucial that students are studying these subjects through primary and high school. Trade skills are becoming increasingly valuable with demand for welding and electrical expertise growing and the QMEA prides itself on connecting students with trade experts to help prepare them for apprenticeships after school.”

QMEA is Australia’s largest industry and government partnership and works with teachers to organise in-school and site activities along with experts from the resource industry to help lift students’ knowledge of STEM and trades. QMEA has schools in the south east, Darling Downs, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Mount Isa.

“The latest data provided by the Queensland Government shows that almost 22 percent of QMEA students who finished school in 2018 and went to university began studies in engineering and related technologies last year, compared with 15 percent of students in non-QMEA schools,” Mr Macfarlane said.

“And, 5.2 percent of QMEA students entered a mining field compared with 0.2 percent of non-QMEA students.

“Most pleasingly, 4 percent of Indigenous students in QMEA schools entered mining careers, compared with just 1 percent of non-QMEA Indigenous students," he said.

"And, 13 percent of QMEA female students in apprenticeships went into the mining sector compared with 2 percent of non-QMEA females.

“It’s clear that the sizeable investment from our member companies, along with that of the Queensland Government is paying dividends. It comes at a time when we are facing critical shortages of skilled people, combined with a lack of knowledge among students of careers in resources.

“A Minerals Council of Australia survey showed that 59 percent of students had no knowledge of the huge variety of careers we have in the resources sector, while the 2020 Hays report indicated there was a high demand for engineers, data scientists, diesel fitters and machine operators.”

QRC is the peak representative body for Queensland ‘s resource sector. The Queensland resources sector provides one in every five dollars in the Queensland economy, sustains one in seven Queensland jobs, and supports more than 14,400 businesses and community organisations across the state, all from 0.1 percent of Queensland’s land mass. 

 https://qmea.org.au/

www.qrc.org.au

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KAUFLAND has decided to undertake an orderly withdrawal from the Australian market, the company announced today, "after careful and thorough consideration".

The company will be concentrating its business on its European core markets in the foreseeable future.

Kaufland’s 200 Australian employees were informed of the decision today, with an assurance by the company that "generous packages including all entitlements will be offered, as part of a thorough support and consultation process for all".

"The future of Kaufland’s existing Australian investments, including properties purchased for retail outlets and distribution infrastructure, will be discussed with the relevant parties in coming days," a company spokesperson said.

"This decision is about focusing business activities in Europe and is in no way a reflection of the efforts of our local employees or management, or the support Kaufland has received from the Australian business community or governments."

Frank Schumann, acting CEO of Kaufland International, said, “This was not an easy decision for us. We always felt welcome in Australia. We would like to thank our employees and we apologise for the disruption this decision will cause.

“We would also like to thank our business partners, who offered us great support over the last few years. We would also like to thank the government for being very open-minded to our projects.

“In Europe, we see a great deal of growth potential. We will actively shape the consolidation of the European retail sector, thus further reinforcing our leading position.”

Kaufland is currently operating in Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Croatia, and the Republic of Moldova with roughly 1300 stores and 132,000 employees.

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THE House of Representatives Standing Committee on the Environment has extended the submission deadline for its inquiry into the intensity and frequency of bushfires.

Submissions are now invited by March 31, 2020.

Chair of the committee, Ted O’Brien MP, said, "As the threat and reality of the fires continue for many communities across Australia, the committee recognises that bushfire affected organisations and individuals need to direct resources to the immediate tasks of response and recovery.

"We extend our sympathies to fellow Australians who have been impacted by this season’s devastating fires, and our gratitude to those working tirelessly to control them.

"Once the current bushfire situation has eased, the committee looks forward to receiving a range of considered evidence to inform its inquiry. We want to develop recommendations that can assist in ensuring that Australia takes the best possible approach to preventing such terrible events in future and being better equipped to manage them," Mr O’Brien said.

The committee’s inquiry was adopted in December 2019 on referral from the Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management, David Littleproud MP. The inquiry’s terms of reference relate to the efficacy of past and current vegetation and land management policy, practice and legislation and their effect on the intensity and frequency of bushfires and subsequent risk to property, life and the environment.

Submissions will be accepted until March 31, 2020. The committee intends to hold public hearings at various locations, which will be announced in due course on the inquiry website.             

Submissions must address the inquiry’s terms of reference, which are available along with details on how to make a submission on the inquiry website.

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THE Financial Services Council (FSC) has announced that life insurers will treat people making a claim related to the bushfires as vulnerable customers requiring additional support under the FSC Life Insurance Code of Practice (The Code).

FSC CEO Sally Loane said this announcement was in addition to the individual commitments already made by life insurers to support people affected by the bushfires.

“This means affected Australians will have their claims assessments and decisions prioritised and people may have access to advance payments to help alleviate financial hardship,” Ms Loane said.

“There are no general exclusions in life insurance which would stop an insurer from paying claims after a natural disaster like a bushfire. Australians can rely on their life insurance.

“The Code requires that all customers are treated with compassion, respect and empathy, but also recognises that some vulnerable people may have unique needs when making a claim on their life insurance, and if so, additional support will be provided,” Ms Loane said.

Last week the FSC launched a simple new service for Australians and their loved ones to use, if life insurance policy details have been lost or destroyed as a result of the bushfires. Detail of this service can be found on the FSC website.

Australia’s life insurers have also made a broad range of additional, individual commitments when handling claims related to the bushfires. While they vary from company to company, they include:

• Prioritising bushfire related claims;
• Waiving premiums for volunteer firefighters who are putting themselves at risk so they can maintain their vital cover while not earning in their usual job;
• Waiving premiums for affected people;
• Special leave days for staff who are emergency service volunteers who have been impacted;
• Reducing the evidence requirements for related claims;
• Offering mental health, Employment Assistance Program (EAP) and other support services to affected customers and their families;
• Proactively contacting customers in affected postcodes;
• Donating cash to fund raising organisations;
• Allowing more time for customers to submit documents;
• Contacting customers after hours; and
• Providing immediate information and referrals for affected customers to government agencies.

To access a copy of the Code: https://www.fsc.org.au/resources/1695-life-insurance-code-of-practice-with-appendix.

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